Disco Deano dances to huge up against New York-bred sprinters

Disco Deano scored an upset victory to open the stakes schedule at Finger Lakes, edging Flying Emperor by a head in the $50,000 George W. Barker Stakes for New York-bred sprinters on Monday.

Disco Deano returned backers $77 for the win in his season debut for owner and trainer M. Anthony Ferraro. This was the first career stakes win for the 6-year-old gelding, who had finished off the board in three previous tries at the level, all at Finger Lakes.

Disco Deano and jockey Keiber Coa pressed Lobsta through an opening quarter in 22.62 seconds on the fast track, then got the best of that foe to edge away to a length lead throughout the half in 46.29. Disco Deano held to his lead as favored Lady's Golden Guy, who had won four straight races at Finger Lakes, mounted a bid in midstretch before the latter weakened late and drifted out. In the final strides, it was Flying Emperor, the two-time defending winner of the Barker, who rallied from third and was gaining, but Disco Deano held sway by a length at the wire.

The final time for the six furlongs was 1:12.39.

After Flying Emperor in second, it was 2 3/4 lengths to Writer's Regret, the longest shot on the board, who edged Lady's Golden Guy by three-quarters of a length for third. The beaten favorite was followed, in order, by Senbei, Winston's Chance, Nueva York, Lobsta, and Samay.

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